Question

what advice would you give a patient to address risk factors for lung cancer?

Answer 1

Lung cancer is one of the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. The most common cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking.

Lung cancer begins in the lungs and may later spread to lymph nodes and other organs in the body. It is characterized by uncontrolled growth in lung tissues. There are two main types of lung cancers which include small cell lung carcinoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. Some of the common symptoms of lung cancer include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, coughing up of blood, etc.

The risk factors of lung cancer include:

• Cigarette smoking

It is considered to be the major risk factor for lung cancer. Use of tobacco producs like cigarette, cigars, and pipes increases the risk of this condition. Studies suggest that people who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 more times likely to get lung cancer that those who do not smoke. Smoking a single cigarette per day or even occasionally can certainly increase the risk. Moreover, smoking continuously for several years greatly increases the risk. Quitting smoking is helpful in reducing the risk of lung cancer.

• Secondhand smoke

Passive smoking refers to involuntary smoking from other people’s cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. This exposure to second hand smoke also increases the risk of lung cancer. Hence, even if a person does not smoke but is exposed to secondhand smoke is a great risk for lung cancer.

• Radon

It is a gaseous substance formed from the breakdown of uranium of soil and rock. Unsafe levels of this substance in the atmosphere commonly gets trapped in the buildings. Inhaling these substances are found to increase the risk of lung cancer.

• Exposure to carcinogenic substances

The risk of inhaling certain substances that people are commonly exposed to at workplaces are found to be at a higher risk of getting cancer, even more than smoking cigarettes. These include asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, silica, chromium, etc. If a smoker inhales these, it might prove to be extremely risky.

• Personal history of lung cancer

A lung cancer survivor is at an increased risk of developing cancer again if smoking is not stopped.

• Family history of lung cancer

One is at an increased risk of developing lung cancer if parents, brothers, sisters, or children have had lung cancers.

• Diet

Though studies regarding the link between diet and lung cancers are still going on, increased exposure to some substances like arsenic present in water are found to increase the risk of lung cancer in some people. Moreover, diet rich in processed meats, high fat food, etc. significantly increases the risk of lung cancer even in non-smokers.

• Radiation therapy

People who have undergone radiation therapy of chest are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

• Age

As with other cancers, risk of lung cancer increases with age.

In order to address risk factors for lung cancer, following measures can be adopted:

• Nurses can help in bringing about successful patient outcomes by screening and identifying patients who are at increased risk as well as those who are at no risk of developing lung cancer.
• She needs to recognize the signs and symptoms regardless of the smoking status of the patient and suggest appropriate diagnostic tests and referrals.
• A thorough knowledge of medical, family, environmental exposure, and social history of the patient is highly essential.
• Patients must be educated regarding the risk factors of lung cancer.
• Making patients aware that it is not just a disease of smokers is important and give a detailed insight to the risks of the cancer must be given.
• Since lung cancer has poor prognosis if not detected early, importance of early diagnosis is highly necessary. Hence, a nurse must be vigilant and able to recognize if something is amiss even